Addictions

OPIOID ADDICTION

IS SUBOXONE FOR ME?

Suboxone (Buprenorphine/Naloxone) is a medication used to treat opioid addiction. Unlike methadone and other medications used to treat opioid dependence, Suboxone is a prescription-based medication that you can take at home. It works by reducing and eliminating cravings for opioids, while allowing the patient to function normally with a clear mind and understanding.
Suboxone cannot be taken during pregnancy. Instead, Subutex (Buprenorphine) is used during pregnancy. Be sure to talk to your provider if you are pregnant or intend to become pregnant while on Suboxone treatment.

IS VIVITROL FOR ME?

Vivitrol is a medication used to treat opioid and alcohol addiction. It’s administered by injection once a month at our office. It eliminates the possibility for patients to experience the “high” associated with the use of alcohol and opioids.

WHICH IS BETTER, SUBOXONE OR VIVITROL?

It depends on each individual. At your intake appointment, we will work with you to create your treatment plan. Part of creating this plan involves selecting which medication is better for you and your circumstances – Suboxone, or Vivitrol. Other deciding factors include current or previous treatment with Suboxone or Vivitrol, if you’ve been through an inpatient detox program, the extent of your addiction history, etc.

ALCOHOL ADDICTION

VIVITROL

Vivitrol is an effective medication for alcohol treatment for three reasons:
It eliminates the “high” that comes with alcohol use.
It lessens cravings for alcohol.
It lessens the overall amount of times that alcohol is consumed.

ACAMPROSATE

Acamprosate lessens cravings for alcohol

ANTABUSE/DISULFIRAM

Antabuse/disulfiram causes a severe profile of side effects and intoxication states from consuming alcohol as result of build up of enzymes that break down alcohol built up in your body as alcohol is being consumed.

Counseling

We recommend patients receive counseling to help them deal with psychosocial issues that lead to addiction to both opioids and alcohol. Many researchers have shown that combining cognitive behavioral therapy with medications are the most effective treatments for opioid or alcohol dependence.